Are you ready to create a cozy business that aligns with your values and supports your lifestyle? Maybe you’ve searched online for advice or heard me talk about it and wondered what it really means. Here’s what it takes to build a cozy business.

Many people believe success comes from hustle culture: 4am wake-ups, 75 Hard, and pushing limits. But if that’s not how you work best, the built in belief that this is the only way to succeed might be holding you back.

If you’re struggling with the traditional “success path” and wondering if you can have the life and business you desire while taking care of yourself, this post is for you.Ready to dive into a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating a cozy business?

DO YOU PREFER TO LISTEN RATHER THAN READ? NO WORRIES! CHECK OUT THE COZY BUSINESS WITH KATHERINE PODCAST EPISODE OF THIS POST:

Always Remember to Take Care of You First

If you’ve been finding yourself doubting your ability to create a successful business without burning out, you may want to challenge that thought.

Ask yourself, why do I think I need to hustle 24/7 to be successful, and who benefits from this belief?

Often, the hustle culture narrative is perpetuated by those who profit from it. But building a business that aligns with your strengths, values, and energy can lead to sustainable success without burnout.

It takes time and energy to unravel the limiting beliefs and social conditioning that teach us “success” must look a certain way.

Every time you think something that goes against your needs and strengths, reframe it to support you first so you can show up at your best.

My Routine for My Cozy Business

Letting go of the shame and guilt of resting and putting ourselves first takes a lot of deconditioning. I’m still working on it, but every day, I feel like I’m rebelling against hustle culture and getting better at it.

A day in my life looks like this:

Morning: I wake up without an alarm, have breakfast, and enjoy quiet mornings with coffee. Some days, I go for a walk or do weight training if my energy feels good. Other days, I relax or snuggle on the couch. After getting ready, I check my priorities for the day and see what I’d like to do.

Noon: My energy tends to ramp up in the late afternoon, so unless I have morning calls, I start around lunchtime. I batch my calls into a few days a week to have uninterrupted call-free days. I check emails, handle important tasks, and have lunch.

Evening: Depending on my morning, I either finish for the day, go for a walk, and make dinner, or continue working if I have momentum. I love evenings and weekends because I know there are no interruptions.

This routine keeps me focused and energized, ensuring I give my best without feeling overwhelmed.

How is your business routine serving you to show up as your best? 

Don’t be afraid to change it or discard parts that don’t work. Everyone’s life and commitments are different, so whatever works for you is what will work best for creating a cozy business.

Some Advice from The Nap Ministry

I love that new (and better) conversations around success, productivity, and rest are becoming more prominent, led mostly by Black women’s liberation and activism (that we can all learn from). Tricia Hersey of The Nap Ministry says, “Release the shame you feel when resting. It does not belong to you.”

Follow The Nap Ministry and check out Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto.

Never Let People Influence You Who Aren’t Living as You Wish To

Your mum means well with “Just work hard, and you can do anything you set your mind to.”

Or those friends who say “Just do it” as a form of encouragement.

But this can create unhelpful beliefs and destabilise our nervous system if we haven’t got the foundations to support us.

If you’re ready to do things differently from those around you, it really helps to look for inspiration and guidance from people whose values align with your needs.

When you’re running out of steam working on your business, long before burnout, this quote from Rest is Resistance may spur you on: 

“You don’t have to grind, hustle, accept burnout as normal, and be in a constant state of exhaustion and sleep deprivation. You don’t have to kill yourself spiritually or physically to live a fruitful life.”

You Need to Accommodate Your Needs in Your Cozy Business

Just because you likely haven’t worked in an environment that considers your unique needs doesn’t mean your business has to be the same. Set boundaries and prioritize your needs to unravel the belief that everything else is more important than your self-care.

Here’s how to start taking care of yourself in your business:

Step #1: Define your non-negotiables and stick to them.

What do you need from your business to show up as  your best?

It’s going to feel indulgent and even ridiculous at first, but start small and get very clear about how you want to operate.  It’s your business and you get to decide what it looks like.

Step #2: Set clear boundaries around your work hours.

There’s always something to do and your business can start to take precedence over everything in your life.

Check in monthly with your schedule, goals, and projects to ensure you’re realistic about what can be done in your preferred work hours. What can you take off your plate or reschedule?

Step #3: Incorporate self-care into your daily routine without guilt.

Design your day to suit your needs without guilt. 

If you’re a night owl, why start at 9am? 

Prefer a 4-day work week? That’s up to you. 

Schedule in lunch, naps, or exercise, and remind yourself you are free to do what you need. Without guilt or shame.

Because I know how important it is to take care of ourselves, I’ve created my Cozy Business Side Quest Cards, available in the Loot Chest this week. 

These cards are yours to pull out when you need inspiration, rest, or a reminder there’s more to life than just your business.

Click here to download the Cozy Business Loot Chest and get the Side Quest Cards.

What Do You Need To Make Your Cozy Business Dreams Real?

Wrapping It Up…

We’ve explored the importance of setting non-negotiables and boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and maintaining a balance between work and life. You’re well on your way to creating a cozy business that supports your well-being and success.

Which tip will you try out from this post? 

Got questions about how to start making accommodations in your business that work for you? Comment below or DM me on Instagram.

And remember, you can download my Cozy Business Side Quest cards to help you reset on those overworked days.